Laura Ann Hughes ( Raw Questionnaire Responses )

Q2
What do you believe qualifies you to be on the Detroit Charter Commission?

I moved to Detroit in 2005. Since that time I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of industries from a federally funded HIV clinic to the 6th largest women owned staffing company in the United States to a place based Foundation that concentrates on children. In all of these opportunities I have lent my strong moral compass, a commitment to Detroiters, and my ability to design processes that ensure everyone’s voices and interest are heard. Currently I serve as the board chair of Detroit Employment Solutions which, similar to Detroit, has gone through substantial changes in the last 3 years. As board chair, I have worked with labor leaders, community activist and the corporate community to align our policies, procedures, intake processes, and commitment to employ 40,000 Detroiters. These experiences have prepared me to think about the city’s most important document from many different stakeholders’ perspectives. The charter needs to protect the city’s most vulnerable citizens as well as the growing business community. Strong business tax revenue will allow us to provide services to our most vulnerable residents.

Q3
Why do you want to be on the Detroit Charter Commission?

My commitment to Detroit, strongly held community and servant leadership values, and demonstrated success in strategic investment, multi-sector collaboration, and scaling proven models make me a competitive candidate for Charter Commission. I am running for charter commission because of my deep commitment to equity in the City. There will be lots of people with opinions on what needs to be changed in the City, but we need someone who is equally committed to designing a process in which all voices are heard.

Q4
Would you support keeping a Board of Police Commissioners in the revised charter?

Definitely would

Q5
Would you support keeping a system whereby the majority of the Police Commissioners are elected?

Definitely would

Q6
Would you support the election of some of the Commissioners by district?

Definitely would

Q7
Would you support the requirement that Commissioners be civilians at the time they are elected?

Definitely would

Q8
Check powers or responsibilities you would like Police Commissioners to retain:

In consultation with the Chief of Police, and with the approval of the Mayor establish policies, rules and regulations.
Review and approve the departmental budget before its submission to the Mayor.
Receive and resolve, as provided in this chapter, any complaint concerning the operation of the Police Department and forward all allegations of criminality to the appropriate internal or external law enforcement agency for further investigation.
Act as final authority in imposing or reviewing discipline of employees of the department.
Make an annual report to the Mayor, the City Council, and the public of the department’s activities during the previous year, including the handling of crime and complaints, and of future plans.
The Board may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and require the production of evidence.
The Board shall also appoint a Chief Investigator and such additional staff of investigators as it deems necessary.

Q9
Do you think it is a conflict of interest for former Detroit Police Officers to serve on the BOPC?